Thought Drizzle

OK

2007-05-03T22:52:00.000-04:00

Yeah. I'm still around. I've just been verry busy. Managing a department takes a lot out of you when you're handed a pile of crap and told to "Fix it."

I've been doing all I can to fix the problems that exist, but I cannot do it. I have let it be known what is required to mend the damaged parts of my department, yet I have not been allowed the autonomy to do what is needed, nor have my requests been fulfilled. I recall this being a reason for stepping out of Department Management before.

I have received daily lists of things to be done, yet I haven't the resources to complete the lists.
I am asked why my tasks aren't complete. I reply, "You are cancelling my orders. You are telling my associates not to do what I say. You are putting everything on me and not letting my team work on these issues. I am one person. However, since I'm so slow... show me how to do it the correct way and I will follow that model."

I have received no more lists.

Goin' Up...

2006-12-17T07:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I figure that I'm not getting out of my current work place any time soon. So I might as well try to go up (get a promotion). Not what I had in mind, but I guess it'll have to be enough. Though I like Monster.com's slogan ("Never settle"), that only keeps me from having a job - can't have that. I'm going to have to settle for what I can get.

Sad really. I performed at the top of my class. I led several projects. I spent a few years doing volunteer work (to get experience). I did work on federal projects (excellent experience). And at each of these I performed above the levels required/expected. And I did most of this while working a full-time job, being a full-time father, and carrying a 3.95/4.0 GPA in college. But I can't seem to get anywhere with my area of expertise.

So I had a talk with my store manager. I let him know that I want to move into management. Sure, this will kill my family life. But I need to provide a life for my family. Being there for them doesn't do that - not when you can't provide a place to live, and not when you're sleepy all day.

After a couple of interviews for a couple of positions, I have been given a promotion. I have taken the next step toward the Assistant Manager Training Program - I have stepped back into the Department Manager role. Though this would have made some of my co-workers overjoyed, I accept this position with disappointment.

Don't get me wrong. I'll do my best to have the best department in the store. And I'll do my best in every other way for this position. I do no less.

But here's looking for more stimulating and rewarding employment.

*Cheers*

That Was(n't) Fun

2006-11-16T09:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the O2, Harvey.

Well, I got what I wanted... that being a new job... well, I got the "conditional offer" anyway. All seemed to be falling into place. Then *dramatic pause* it all collapsed around me. They disqualified me because of a misunderstanding on their 14 page application. One question that I misunderstood and answered wrong. This lead them to believe I lied on my application. I did not, but that doesn't really matter. They said I can reapply... in 3 years!

I also moved my family out of "da hood." We moved into a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath house with a nice yard. The landlord didn't even want a lease. Cool! Since my wife and I quit smoking a good while back, we were happy the landlord said, "No smokers and no pets." Yet, the house had the familiar odor of smoke and dog. My older daughter couldn't sleep - breathing problems (asthma and allergies (pets and smoke)). Hmm... The landlord failed to mention the last people that lived in the house were smokers with pets. We vacated the premises before the furniture was even in place, let alone bags be unpacked.

So we moved in with my mom (oh, the joy). Within 3 days, I found an apartment for us - so we moved once more. We had lived in the complex once before and remembered the security and amenities were awsome. I explained our house experience to the rental agent, and he assured me the 6 month old carpet in the apartment was pet-free and smoke-free. Wow! Where does it go wrong? Here: 1. He lied about the pets. The last renter had a dog. I know this because of the smell on the stairs after the carpet cleaner dried - and because of the dog food I swept from under and behind the fridge. 2. I sat in my living room and could clearly hear conversations in the apartments on either side of me. College guys on one side and a couple with dogs on the other. I knew intimate details about the couple, yet I never saw their faces. Since our toilets were less than 3 feet apart and only a wall separating us, I could sit on my throne and hear them use theirs. 3. Time to go.

So wemoved in with my mom (oh, the joy). Deja vu. Two weeks. Four moves. Four U-Haul rentals. Two transfers of three utilities and cable/internet. All utilities and cable/internet canceled. One job kept. One job offered and withdrawn. One day on top of the world. Three weeks of a harshly downward spiral.

Funk-E sent me a link that gave me some light in my darkness. It seems Fred is a man after my own heart. Someone I can truly relate to. Please follow this link, you'll be glad you did.
http://www.fredoneverything.net/Cultural%20Psychiatry.shtml

I'm holding my breath

2006-09-29T12:34:00.000-04:00

And I refuse to breathe, until I get what I want.

**currently a glowing red**

4 Days of Waiting

2006-09-29T12:29:00.000-04:00

I'm waiting...
Again.

When will this blog site have a respectable posting?
Hmm...

Let's hope it's soon.

Two Down

2006-09-17T07:40:00.000-04:00

one to go

2006-09-09T07:14:00.000-04:00

tic... toc...
TiC... TOc...
tIC... TOc...
tiC... tOc...
TIC...TOC...
+
+
+
<+>

Like (Blog)Father...

2006-08-20T03:39:00.000-04:00

I was noticing my blogpapa got himself some new specs - WoW! Me too.
I had to have my lenses ordered b/c no one carries mine on a regular basis, so I just got to pick them up on Saturday morning. I'm not as happy as Johnny-Oh!, but I am sure I will be - my lovely wife has a way of getting things fixed for me (she's an awsome complainer - she once got me paid to get a new pair of specs and prescription sunglasses).

See... I always have a problem when I get new glasses. They always get something wrong. "They", meaning the optometrist and/or the lens cutter. This time, the optometrist didn't pay attention to me when I said the left eye was still blurry. Hence, the blur I now see through my left lens. But enough of that.

It's been a while since I posted, and things are much the same. Job hunting. I came to realize there are few jobs in my field in this area, and even for those with high demand degrees it often takes a while to find the job they want. Patience hasn't been a strong point for me.

So I'm teaching myself SQL. I believe I'll be learning Visual Basic in my spare time, but I'm not sure right now. Maybe that sounds a bit geeky. Maybe it sounds a bit behind. At any rate, it increases my knowledge; thus, increasing my hirability.

An old college professor hooked me up with a job interview a little while back. The job sounds great, it's perfect for me (as jobs go), but there's no insurance available for the first year - bummer. With a family, that's a must. Perhaps something else will come into the picture soon.

My older daughter just started 6th grade. I'm getting scared. I say that because I remember 6th grade. I hope she dosen't screw-up like I did. My son is in 8th grade - he's already screwing-up like I did. Yet, the more I try to help, the more he stays away. The parental curse is upon me. Yep, it's like the post began: Like Father...

Tennessee Visitors/Drivers Beware

2006-07-29T07:33:00.000-04:00

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) decided recently to get themselves a pay raise. Now, I'm all for officers getting a raise, but I think the means to their end is all wrong. They have to raise $9 million to get their raise. I wish them well, but not too well.

See, they get their raise by giving speeding tickets. They're supposed to be giving out a ticket every ten (10) minutes. In an effort to make this a bit easier, they've reduced the amount of speed they're going to allow you to go over the speed limit. There was a time - not too long ago - when you could go 5 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, and no one cared. But with the pressure on, they're going to pass you a citation if you cross the 5mph over mark.

I had no clue about this until my wife came home from work and told me - yeah, she got a job. She works for one of the best attorneys in Knoxville, and he told her about it. I know him, and I'll gladly take his word for it - and pass it on to you.

Be safe out there, and watch your speed when traveling through Tennessee.

HIPAA

2006-07-28T15:47:00.000-04:00

I think it's funny, how the whole HIPAA thing works. My wife's doctor called to let her know the results of her MRI. Unfortunately, she wasn't home at the time. I offered to take a message - letting the doctor know that I was her husband. He would allow no such thing - "I'll call her back."

Hey, I understand the whole patient/doctor relationship thing. I get the confidentiallity thing. I get the HIPAA Act. I get it. But...

I pay for the health insurance. I pay doctor. I pay for the MRI. I pay for everything. And I am her husband. I don't think there should be anything held from my knowledge. Which brings me to another point in this...

I believe spouses should have unlimited access to their other half's medical records. I mean, there should be nothing held (withheld) from a spouse. Like say... a man has been refraining from having sex with his wife - because he's being treated for an STD. I think the wife has a right to know. If a woman goes to have an abortion - I think her husband has a right to know (especially if he hasn't been having sex with her). Things like that make me believe the way I do. Well, that and the fact that I pay for everything.

I wish the doctors would tell my wife whatever they wanted to tell me - instead of making me wait on their phone call. It would make everything sooo much easier. Likewise, it would make it easier to let me know what to tell her - other than, "The doctor is going to call you about your MRI." Uh, yeah... she already knew that.

Please Help

2006-07-13T15:50:00.000-04:00

In the mid-90s there was a song that was very popular for a short time. It was a guy calmly speaking over music, talking about growing up, life, how things used to be... (I hope you get the picture). It seems this song came out in 1995, but I'm not sure.

I'm asking everyone I know to help me on this. I need to know the name of the song and/or the artist. It is my understanding this song was never released as a single.

If you have any clue... Please, leave a message in the comment box. Thanks.

I' a Whore...

2006-07-10T07:23:00.000-04:00

At least, I think that's what it's called. I get a bi-weekly pay check for getting screwed on a daily basis. So, getting paid for being screwed... makes me a whore. Not unlike the majority of Americans - or anyone else. And you know how sometimes you have to take it just a bit harder than usual? Well, that's why I'm more than a bit sore right now.

I work third shift now
And I'm getting paler by the day
I asked to change shifts
But my boss said, No Way!
Only he wasn't so polite
Off - my face he did bite
So I hope the fucker dies a slow painful death via abacination induced shock

O.K. so I'm no poet

Home

2006-07-05T07:58:00.000-04:00

Roughly 6a.m. this past Sunday morning, I decided to take a drive North on I-75. I knew that around 7a.m. was prime-time for taking photographs of this particular area.

This photo was taken at the Rarity Mountain exit at mile marker 156. From mm 152 - mm 156, there are some great photo ops. If you're ever in the neighborhood (at the right time of morning), just stop and take in some mountain air (and carbon monoxide from the interstate), and enjoy the view.

This reminds me of how nice it can be to call Tennessee "Home." Now, I wanna go campin'.

A Few Nice Thoughts

2006-07-01T07:42:00.000-04:00

... and explainations.

The kinja thing was advertising that (for a fee) you could use someone's blog to sell your products, speak your own mind, or whatever else you wanted. I how no problems with people having blog sites (obviously) to say what they want, I just don't want people using my blog without my permission. Moving on...

In The Blues Brothers, when they're trying to complete their "mission from God," there's the big chase scene. As they're driving through the mysteriously deserted city streets of downtown Chicago, they pass several landmarks and art pieces that are recognizable. The photo from 3 posts ago is one of them. It is a Picasso sculpture that has no name, but it is located outside of the Daley Plaza. The Blues Brothers drove by this at a high rate of speed, but they also drove on the sidewalk close to it.

The toilets from 2 posts ago were in the men's & women's rooms. Damn, they're cool. I want one for my house - for the "guests". Pity they don't make those for when you have to shake hands with people you're not sure about. A quick hand wrap and you're done.

An excellent restaurant near my home has received the Mrs. Tuck Award of Awsomeness. That's a real accomplishment - my wife is picky about cleanliness and food quality. And the winner is....

P. F. Chang (Chinese), on Kingston Pike - Knoxville, TN. This place is incredible. The wait-staff is clean, attentive, polite, helpful, and good at their job. The food is mouth-wateringly scrumptous and can't be praised enough. Food portions are quite nice - sharable. The price is about the same as Wasabi (Japanese): not bad - especially for the quality and quantity. And they make this sauce at your table that's just **sigh** wonderful.

I might have to do a comparison between P.F.Chang and Wasabi, in an upcoming post. Hmm..........

Blog Trespassing

2006-06-18T19:05:00.000-04:00

What is kinja.com, and can they trespass on our blogs like they claim?

Uncool. Very uncool.

Not much in cyber-world has any amount of sacrosanct value, but a blog is about as close as it gets. The blogosphere is all some of us have - to maintain our sanity. An outlet for the crap incurred while trying to have a life...

Or am I just over-reacting?

Cool Toilets

2006-06-15T08:31:00.000-04:00

My wife had to pee at O'Hare, after the 45 minute ride on the Blue Line. Upon exiting the restroom, she was freaking out and telling me about the cool toilets - "You gotta go check 'em out. See if you have them in the men's room." Well, yeah. They're in the men's room too. My wife had to take a few pics, so I could blog about it and not look like a bigger idiot than I already do for blogging about toilets.

The thing is... I think all public establishments should have toilets like these.

Read the instructions. They explain it all.

Chicago - Picasso

2006-06-15T08:22:00.000-04:00

There's really only one reason I like this thing...

The Blues Brothers. It reminds me of The Blues Brothers.

People & Music: In My Experience

2006-06-15T07:32:00.000-04:00

For some reason, there seems to be a correlation between the type of music a person listens to and their intellectual communication abilities. The majority of the people I've worked with have been less than mentally stimulating and even less interested in mental stimulation. But then, considering that I've spent the past 12 years working in retail... Can you blame them? But I digress.

Most of the people I've found to be more interested in feeding their brain have had an affinity for heavy metal music (old school or new). Yet, the majority of the people I've known that were pop rock, or country music fans, have not been quite as interested in such things as mental stimuli. I'm not saying metal-heads are smarter, and everyone else is stupid. I'm just saying: this is what I've observed.

One such person I would like to point out is Johnny-Oh!'s room mate (Steven). Here's a guy that is quite intelligent and really enjoys shoving information into his noggin. He also happens to be a metal-head. In conversation, he's a good listener and always has something to share - that is usually interesting. Then there's a guy I recently met at work (Chuck). Chuck has much the same musical tastes as Steven, but not quite the self-education. This hasn't kept Chuck from being a creative conversationalist, nor has it hindered his ability to use hyperbole and metaphorical statements in satirical humor. That's something I've missed at work since Johnny-Oh! and Steven left for better employment. On with it...

Much to my displeasure, I've not come across many pop fans that can hold a candle to the minds of the fellows mentioned above. And not a country fan in the bunch. Odd really. This being Tennessee and all... Hmmph! Folk... Light rock... Punk... Some good minds in the music (often sick, but good).

My hat is off to my heavy metal brethren. Even those that don't get it.

Traffic Comparisons

2006-06-10T15:30:00.000-04:00

The Dan Ryan Expressway almost lived up to the hype I've read so much about. See... we figured it would be pretty bad, but since we weren't in the rush hour traffic, we didn't think it would be very bad. We were right, but that doesn't mean I would advise taking the Dan Ryan - traffic sucked. But it wasn't just the Dan Ryan, traffic was bad all over the Chicagoland area, if you were using an expressway, or other interstate related route. The city's interstate system is under construction. 90, 94, 294... it doesn't really matter which one you're using - it's under construction, and you will experience delays. If you think that's bad traffic... you're right. Knoxville traffic always sucks - construction is everywhere - but it's not so bad as the Dan Ryan. But then, in comparison to Route 66 Pigeon Forge, TN traffic from interstate 75 (exit 407) - Knoxville, or Chicago traffic is a welcome sight.

I say this because we got home from Chicago on Friday night, and I told my kids we could go to Dollywood on Saturday. Well, Saturday at 10am, we were sitting in traffic. 11am rolled around and we had moved about 1.5 miles (at most). With a few more hours to go, we decided to postpone the Dollywood trip until Sunday morning - early. Very early. We figure this will give us the jump on traffic.

I was wandering: is there construction taking place on all parts of America's interstate systems? It seems there is an abundance of orange cones and flagmen all over the place.

In the near future I'll post some pics and a few more thoughts on the Chicago area - mostly good because this post tells the worst part of the trip.

Catching Up...

2006-06-04T07:26:00.000-04:00

I'ts been a while since I posted and you would think I had a large amount of catching up to do. Well, that's a good thought, but it ain't true. Truth is: my life is just that boring. And I'm O.K. with that. It seems that helps to keep me outta trouble. But here's my small amount of catching up (in a nutshell).

My son is a teenager now, and has successfully pissed me off with his attitude - I ain't above smackin'a kid in back o' th' head to regain their attention (I'm not very PC either). He has somehow made it into the eighth grade... with his grades, I'm not sure how this happened - I'll blame President Bush (no child left behind).

My back is a bit better. Work wouldn't cover physical therapy. I'm tired of going to the doctor. I lied by telling the doctor that I feel 100% - so he would release me. I'll never be 100% - I'll never be 18 again. Doc released me, but I have one more visit - just so he can be sure I'm not lying.

I'm on vacation now. My son is going back to his grandma's house, then on vacation with his mom. The rest of us (me, wife, & kids) are going to Chicago for a week - odd huh?

Most people like to relax on their vacation. Me? I just don't feel my everyday life is stressful enough. I feel the need for a vacation-induced coronary. Plus, my wife and I love visiting Chicago (wouldn't want to live there), just like so many people vacation in our neck of the woods. Which is where vacation will wind down, just before camping next month.

Job prospects: hahahahaha. Riiiggghhht!

Don't Ask, Don't Tell... Citizenship?

2006-05-19T14:01:00.000-04:00

Fact:
Painesville, OH (Ohio). The city that likes illegal immigrants. At least that's the way At-Large Council Member, Abbey DelaMotte, portrayed the city in her Fox News interview.

She says the city will give illegal immigrants loans, they can buy homes, get their utilities, and anything else they want... using a Mexican ID. They will never be questioned about their legal status, as the city has adopted a "don't ask, don't tell policy" regarding citizenship. DelaMotte went on to say the city has no reason to question citizenship, unless a law was broken.

May 15, 2006 news article.

Opinion:
Maybe it's just me, but...
If someone is asking for money to buy a home... you want to see their ID, right? Well, if they give you a Mexican (or other foreign origin) ID, don't you wonder why they didn't come up with a U.S. ID? Stay with me...

I'm going to bet: A U.S. ID wasn't used, because the person is not a U.S. citizen. And if no other papers were shown... they're probably an illegal immigrant. The key word here is: illegal. That means a law has been broken (unless you're in Painesville, OH).

Don't blame me. I didn't say it. Abbey DelaMotte said it at about 1:15 PM EST, on Fox News. If you want to ask her to clarify her statements, or dispute what I have stated here: call or email her - her info is noted below.

Contact:
Abby DelaMotte
At-Large Council Member
616 Mentor Avenue
H= (440) 354-8211
adelamotte@painesville.com

Runnin' On Empty

2006-05-11T14:06:00.000-04:00

No. Not another gassy post. It's just that I haven't slept today. I've had a hard time sleeping lately.

I woke up yesterday at about 4pm (6 hrs of sleep). I worked all night. I have to work tonight, too. So it looks like I won't be sleeping until about 8am - tomorrow morning. I hope this helps to reset my sleep pattern.

I think my big sleep problem has been a combination of anger, stress, and depression. This has caused my mind to be running so fast, there's no way I could sleep. I think I need to get my shit straight. I'm just not sure how to do that.

Exxon/Mobil Alternatives

2006-05-05T17:48:00.000-04:00

O.K.. There's a good bit of talk about a boycott of Exxon/Mobil stations, oil, and convenience stores. The thing about that is, they own, supply, or franchise so much that it's hard to tell where to buy - or not buy - your gas.

It's easy to keep these names in mind: ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso, Speedpass, Mobil Delvac, Mobil, On the Run, Mobil 1.

But the names aren't always a strong sign of who the gasoline supplier is. So, use their own store locator. Click the link below, to find an Exxon / Mobil gas station you can avoid.

http://map.exxonstations.com/locator.asp

I'm not sure, but I think these guys don't sell Exxon/Mobil: Agway, Amoco (BP), Chevron, Citgo, Coastal, Conoco, E-Z Stop, Fina, Gull, Gulf Oil, Hess, Horizon, Ideal, Imperial (Joy), Kenjo, Keystop, Marathon, Murphy USA, Phillips 66, Pilot, Quiktrip, 7-Eleven, Shell, Speedway SuperAmerica, Sheetz, Sunglo, Sunoco, Starvin' Marvin's, Texaco, Ultramar, Union 76, Valero (Diamond Shamrock), Wawa, Weigle's.

What other gas (filling) stations are there?
Look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_station

Avoid these guys: http://map.exxonstations.com/locator.asp

In a State of Pain

2006-05-01T06:07:00.000-04:00

Thursday night, at work, I was lifting a very light box, and a sudden twinge of pain shot from my lower-back to my left knee. I'm well aware of company policies regarding injuries, so I waited a moment - to see if it would go away - then I called my manager. He spoke to me like I hurt myself on purpose.

After filling out the paper work, my manager asked if I needed to go to the doctor, and if I would have gone to the doctor if the accident happened at home. Well, I didn't want to go to the doctor (the only doctor available at that time of morning is the ER), but I knew I had better go - just to make sure I was covered in the event of later complications.

I could barely stand the pain of sitting, so I stood in the ER for about 4 hours (in one place). I have been taking my muscle relaxers and pain killers, but it seems the pain wants to travel down my left leg. Ahh... Not as young as I once was.

My wife says it's 3rd shift that's doing this to me. I say it's just my luck.
As usual, the drugs make me a bit more opinionated. Or maybe they just make me want to express myself more. At any rate, I'm pissed about a great many things right now. Perhaps I'll share them in the future, but I'm tired of bitching. My next few posts will be bitch-session-free.

Oh yeah - I had two interviews. Not enough $$. Turned them down.

May 1st Treason

2006-04-30T19:14:00.000-04:00

There was a time, not long ago, that I was a supporter of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). I thought the organization was trying to help Latinos integrate into the diverse culture of the United States. I thought the NCLR worked "to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans." Alas, it seems as though they are against themselves - so why should I want to support them? I don't.

How are they working against themselves?
By wanting the illegal immigrants to have amnesty. Very large numbers of immigrants come to the U.S. legitimately. Those immigrants often become legalized United States citizens; yet, many allow their visas to run out, and they stay in the U.S. illegally. I don't understand why a person that worked so hard to become a legal U.S. citizen would want illegals to have the same rights that the legals had to work for. It seems, to me, that would be the same as asking to be slapped in the face.

The following excerpt is from the website for the May 1st Coalition:
"On May 1st, people all over the United States and throughout the Americas will be taking action to support full equality and legalization for undocumented workers in the United States. Now is the time to act. We can make a difference by showing the power of immigrant workers and their families. Join this new civil rights and workers' rights movement. We must defeat HR4437, the Sensenbrenner bill, which criminalizes undocumented workers. But we must go further. We want full rights, full equality. We want amnesty!"

This is a quote from the petition for Amnesty:
"I demand full rights and equality for all immigrants living in the United States. Neoliberal economic policies targeting Latin America, like NAFTA and CAFTA, have pushed millions of people into abject poverty. Immigrants are forced to come to the U.S. to look for work. Nobody should be criminalized for attempting to survive. No human being is illegal. Racism against immigrants emanates from the same forces behind the U.S. war to conquer and control the wealth of Iraq."

It is my right to opine, and I shall:
Anyone participating in the May 1 Boycott is guilty of treason. I say this because participation - no work, no school, no buying, no selling - is being disloyal to the United States. How can you want amnesty for people that are being disloyal before they are even citizens? And why shouldn't you be deported for being disloyal to the country you claim to love?

Honestly, I could go on for hours. But I'll call it quits for now... It pisses me off too much. As a Hispanic male, I'm embarassed for their stupidity.

Sunday Drive

2006-04-30T11:25:00.000-04:00

I received an e-mail from Funk-E, and it reminded me of a great many things - one of which is the "Sunday Drive."

It wasn't so long ago, on my off days, I would take my family out for a drive through the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee. We would go for a ride, and stop to do what ever we felt like doing - whatever seemed interesting. Sometimes we would even travel out of state - just for the Hell of it. There was this one time, we were gonna drive from Knoxville to Chicago, for a three-day weekend - the kids have never been, and there are places we'd like to show them. Well, we didn't make the trip - complications - but it was a nice thought that we were willing to do on a whim.

When I was a kid, my parents and I would take a drive to where-ever, most every weekend. It didn't matter if it was just to enjoy the ride, or if it were for a purpose.

Those drives got us out of the world we lived in every day. They took us to places we knew/didn't know. A drive was like a minor adventure that let us know there was a "rest of the world." Television can't replace the reality you feel from the mist from a waterfall. Nor can a newspaper article capture the freedom of driving with the windows down and childrens' smiling faces being wind-blown to momentary distortion. Bored games... Need I say more?

I'd like to say "Thank You" to those responsible for the inflated prices of gasoline. Thank you for making me "save-up" to take my family for a drive through what is left of the natural beauty of our country. Thank you for causing my gas bill to increase to an amount that now takes a day off of my family's vacation. Thanks.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. As long as that pursuit doesn't have to be done in a gasoline-using vehicle, I'd say these things are still as true today as when they were first written.

Back On 3rd Shift

2006-04-17T16:42:00.000-04:00

I worked on 3rd shift for about 7 years, then I switched to 1st. After working 1st shift for the past 5 years, I've gone back to busting my hump overnight. It's not because I desired torturing myself. It goes a bit past that.

My immediate supervisor has no clue of what he's doing. This has been quite obvious for a good while. Thing is, I have repeatedly tried to help him; however, he has not accepted my advice, nor my assistance. Instead, he has been seeking the advice and help of a person that is as clueless as he. A slap in my face, as I watch our department go down the drain. I requested to go to 3rd shift because a change in departments would mean a loss of money - 3rd shift pays more.

Upon requesting an exit from my department, my store manager asked "why?" - I was happy to explain myself. His response: "Wise decision." Upon speaking with an assistant manager that is semi-well trusted, I learned the store manager is over the incompetence being displayed in my former department's management - change is coming soon.

If I continue employment there, I will probably be asked to take the department. But I think that would be a mistake - call it a "gut feeling."

Yes. Two sentences ago, I said "if". I said it because I have an interview tomorrow - and a high chance of getting the job. It may not be a job in the field I went to school for - it's still retail - but it might be enough to give me back some of the job satisfaction I once had.

So Much More Than a Beverage

2006-04-09T15:52:00.000-04:00

Beer is one of those divine gifts that is great for any occasion. It is one of those beverages that not only, quenches thirst (as it enhances the same), but leaves us with the same mystery as a bad woman: "You're so bad for me. I must have you! Why do you tempt me with your seductive smootheness and full body?" *ahem*

I've been trying a few brews I've not had before. Which is obvious... otherwise I wouldn't be trying them, would I? And here's a thought or two about them:

Flying Dog - Tire Bite Golden Ale: It ain't bad. But it ain't good. I don't recommend it, unless you like water better than beer. Too much like Bud Light. My wife says it goes well with dark chocolate. It's from Denver, so you can't hold too much against them - they can't help it.

Warsteiner - Premium Verum: A nice pilsner. Enough bite to grab your attention. Enough after taste to let you know it's German. Enough smoothness to be a nice dinner beer. Yet, a bit lacking in the area of alcohol (4.8%). But I like it, and I would recommend trying this one for yourself.

Shiner - Hefeweizen: No, it's from Texas. Shiner, Texas. I must say, I'm a bit biased on this one. I love Shiner Bock. Love it. But I was looking for something in a golden ale or lager from the Shiner people. And this is what I found, in a store near me. I love it. Try it. It reminds me of the Honey-Wheat selection from Pete's Wicked Ale. Hint: follow the directions on the back of the bottle (yeah - directions). But then, I felt a bit stodgy when I poured it into a glass. Just use the bottle.

All this beer talk is makin' me want some sake. Looks like I'll be callin' up Johnny-Oh! before too long. I think it's workin' up on sushi time.

Timing & Desire

2006-04-04T14:39:00.000-04:00

I have bad timing, when it comes to getting things I desire. Yet, my timing is impeccable for the things I do not desire. Elaborate? Yes... I shall.

I was once the manager of one of the departments in my current employer's building. I was very good at my job and I enjoyed it; though, I did have to put up with a quite slapdash manager over me. I was comfortable where I was and had no plans to advance, nor step down - all was good. Desire.

Then I started college, but I was still doing well at work, excellent at school, and great at a second job (part-time, of course). After a while, my manager quit. Then there was no manager... Then came a lazy, evil, Hitleresque, Barney Rubble looking guy with no sense of diligence, or work ethic. He was the epitome of "deligation without a clue." Thus, I began doing his job and mine. UN-desire.

I was brow-beaten by his boss, and questioned about why I was doing everything else, instead of getting my own job done. Upon explaining, I received the brilliant phrase, "I'm tired of your excuses." My boss then wrote me up for not doing my job. So, I asked if I could hire someone to help with the other duties (not my job) that I was covering - I also asked if he could begin doing his own work. Of course, I didn't get to hire anyone - and my comment about his job was not well received. Timing.

I decided the hostility of the work environment was placing my job at risk, and I needed to be focusing on my future career anyway... so I stepped down and changed departments. The guy that took my place ran into the same problems and stepped down - quickly. Barney quit soon after that. Then comes department manager #3 and a new manager over him. The new dept mgr didn't have to do the things we had to do. His job was made much simpler - he just did his job (not everyone else's). Also, he was allowed to hire 3 (not just 1, but 3) people to help offset his work load and free his time for managing his department. Timing.

Current day: I've been looking for a job for a while, and have not been able to find anything that was going to be "gainful" employment, in my field of study. So I figure I might as well try going into (upper-middle) management with my current employer. I'm not looking too good for it - seeing as how I stepped down from the whole department manager bit - but I'll go for it anyway. Ya know, I could have saved a few years if I would have just tried to do this before I took that last department mgr job. Timing & Desire.

As it turns out, the mgr of my old department is moving on up now. I asked how he got to move up so quickly. His reply: "I've got good people under me. I couldn't have done it without them." Timing & Desire.

Why does it bug me?
$15,000 per year raise + Bonuses

Ya feelin' me now?

Hit By Sticks

2006-03-31T09:47:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, Sticks hit me with a meme. As rarely as I get to post these days, it has taken me a while to get to it. For that, I apologize.

Also, yesterday was my 5th wedding anniversary.
The traditional gift for the 5th is wood... *(leaving alone the punny comments)*

On with the meme.
Here's the instructions:
1. Choose a search engine (e.g. Yahoo!).
2. Pick 5 random blogfriends.
3. Think of a word or phrase that you describes each friend.
4. Do an image search of that word or phrase.
5. Pick an image that makes you say, "Aha! That's it!"

That 1 Guy

Contagion

Sarah the Penguin

GA Mongrel

Johnny-Oh!

That was fun.
But I realized... I reeeeaaallyy need to reset my page size.
Wow!
I got my first look on a regular sized screen the other day... this page does not look like it should - certainly not like it does on my laptop. Sheesh... whay didn't ya tell me?

Ignorance Is Bliss

2006-03-26T14:50:00.000-05:00

In my younger years, I wondered exactly what that meant. It didn't make much sense. How could being ignorant be a good thing? It wasn't until adulthood that the full scope of this cliche became apparent. Just for grins & giggles, allow me to expound on the simplicity of what this means to me. No wise philosophical statements... just drizzle.

If you don't know what you're missing, you'll be happy with what you have. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you can only be happy if you're ignorant. Nor am I saying ignorance insures happiness. I am saying it's harder to be happy with simplicity, once educated in complexity.

The "Tree of Knowledge" and its forbidden fruit are very simple (and direct) symbols of this saying. When the fruit was eaten and eyes were opened to knowledge, bliss was forever lost.

Much like finding out Santa wasn't real - after a few years of happily anticipating the fat man's gifting spree. The magic was lost - luckily, the gifts weren't.

Once you find out how close you are to having the life you are no longer ignorant of - but can never have - that happiness will disappear like the ignorance that gave birth to it. As ignorance is bliss - so education is its assassin, thus is torture.

How we long to return to our more innocent days. Not knowing was never a thought. We simply lived.

Just Alittle Odd

2006-03-16T14:52:00.000-05:00

My wife bought some new underwear for me.

Then she threw away my old underwear. However...
Prior to throwing them all out, she washed them.

... Or Get Off The Pot

2006-03-13T19:34:00.000-05:00

I learned a great many things from the A.A. meetings I attended some years ago. Among them is a biblical lesson, perhaps you remember it too. It goes a little like this: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

As Christianity goes, it's one of those things many non-believers call a weakness, and many believers call divine. I would prefer to call it common sense.

It seems only right that you should not dwell on things you can't change. It seems only right that you should muster up the courage to change the things you can. And to know the difference... C'mon. If you can't tell the difference, you should look at it from the outside - perspective is everything.

Change what needs to be changed. If it doesn't need to change, leave it alone. But you must make a decision. And if you're too lazy to do that... Shut up!

That Last Post...

2006-03-13T19:27:00.000-05:00

...was number 69.

hehehe

Been a while since I've seen that one.

Job Offer - Turned It Down

2006-03-01T20:11:00.000-05:00

After all this time... I found a job I really wanted... One I was really wanted for... One that was a perfect match for me...

And I turned it down. No... Not because of complications from my ex.

The insurance cost.

It would cost me 5 times the amount I currently pay for health insurance.

In the end, I would be left with less than $300 after taxes and insurance each month. That's not including food, gas, house payment, electricity... You get it.

These tears are not of joy.

HIRED!

2006-02-28T07:15:00.000-05:00

Yeah. That's right.

I got a new job.
I start in April.

more later

Interview Monday

2006-02-25T18:59:00.000-05:00

I'm in route to New Port Richey, FL. Monday is face to face interview
time. Also, I have to take a test.

Not as much cash as I need, but I can make it work for a while. If I
get this one... I gotta find a house.

nerves o' jelly

Job Search... Part 7,957,232,034

2006-02-21T12:51:00.000-05:00

As I am awaiting a call to let me know when I will travel to Florida for my second interview, I recall several people saying this particular company takes a long time to get through the hiring process. No shit.

I've been applying to more and more companies in FL. I don't know why. I really just want a frickin' job. I have applied from Tallahassee east to Jacksonville, and south to Tampa. St. Augustine seems cool (not that I've ever been there).

Then there's GA. I don't really want to go to far in to the Atlanta area, but I'd be happy to work there anyway. I'm not picky, I just want to keep my family in the best area possible. So, I've applied to several places in southern GA (mainly close to Jacksonville, FL).

I have to meet with a recruiter today. Maybe he can help me find a job. If he does that... I'll let him sleep with my sister.

Complaint Compliant II: Texas Roadhouse (Knoxville, TN: Morrell Road)

2006-02-11T08:22:00.000-05:00

Every time (and I do mean every) I take my family to Texas Roadhouse, we have a bad experience. Usually, my wife's steak is cooked wrong (at minimum), and they can never get it to come out right - re-grilling it just gets it burned outside and medium well inside. Because of these experiences, we have learned that my wife should just order chicken. But if she wants steak, she'll not get it at Texas Roadhouse. Not very fair is it?

The last time we went there, Mrs. Tuck ordered steak (well-done) with a salad - I had the same and the kids had chicken. Our salads went to the table beside us - they didn't order salads, but ate them. Our steaks were going to the same table, but the people told the waitress, that wasn't what they ordered - my wife said, "Those are ours. And so were the salads you gave to them." Not trying to be rude, just pointing out the facts.

With the first cut, my wife's steak damn near "mooed" as the blood flowed. We promptly sent it back. It came back burned outside & pink inside. My steak was fine - a bit tough, but I don't care if it's a little pink. However, my wife cannot eat meat that is not thoroughly cooked (welk-done).

The manager said she would have my wife's steak removed from the bill, and gave us a card to redeem for a free meal at our next visit. So my wife had no meal this time - just a salad. It reminded me of our previous trip to Texas Roadhouse - nearly the same thing happened and my wife had no food (seeing a pattern?).

The bill came and I was being charged for the food my wife didn't have. I sent the bill back, it was fixed, and we left after paying.

This experience is typical of the times we've been to the Texas Roadhouse on Morrell Road by West Towne Mall. We only went to this restaurant because the kids had "Free" coupons. We shall never return to this establishment - even if everyone's meals were free.

Just when I thought they forgot about me...

2006-01-24T18:45:00.000-05:00

... they up n' sent me an e-mail. Just to let me know thing are moving slow.

Who? My potential future employer.

If ya couldn't tell... I was losin' hope. And I ain't outta th' woods yet.

Looks like I'm gonna be flyin' to FL with a plane loaded full o' my competition. I get it. They don't want to do this one at a time thing. And they don't have to.

Hell. It would save 'em a lot of $$ by just flyin' me down... alone.

Guess I better brush up on the skillz. And wait for the call.

Interview & Letter

2006-01-19T21:06:00.000-05:00

Waiting on the FL interview.
Someone else in the picture.
Must eliminate him/her.

Letter of recommendation...
Waiting on that too. Bastard.

Tic Toc

Calgon take me away.

Falling Down

2006-01-18T13:26:00.000-05:00

I have found few things in life that actually make me feel... inadequate (shall we say).

So far, the list goes like this:
Working for a suck-ass company for 12 years (and going nowhere).
Getting an education, and not being able to get a job (better than the one I have).
Living in da hood, and not affording a way out (see two reasons above).
Having the mental capacity to out perform people with higher educations, and higher careers; yet, not getting the opportunity to have one of those careers (due to lack of education).

Sometimes, I get down on myself. I can't help it. I look at my life and I'm disappointed. I should be so much more. It pisses me off, because it's my fault my family is living in a dangerous environment. Yeah. It is (break ins, shots fired, cars broken in to, attempted rape (outside the front door)... shall I continue?).

So, why don't I move? See the list above. You need dollars to move to a better neighborhood. My rent is low, but the cost is high. That's usually the way it runs. I guess.

When I was in my last semester of college, I did a small class project. The project was a demographic analysis of Knox County, TN. There are few areas in K-town that are as bad as mine - some are worse. But I live in West Knoxville - that's supposed to be the good side. And it is. But there is one section of West K-town that is well below the rest of West K-town. Yep. My neighborhood.

Average salaries are lower, rent is lower, the number of car owners is lower, the number of violent crimes is higher, whites are a minority, and... Wait a tick. What the hell does "whites are a minority" have to do with anything?

Areas where whites are the majority = better class of living. Not a racist statement - fact.
Areas where whites are the minority = lower class of living. Again, not being racist - fact.
Yes, there are areas that are populated entirely by whites, and the class of living is nearly subhuman, and vice versa. I'll never dispute that with you. I've seen it.

I don't care about the arguments that could come from my statements. I only care about getting my family to a better class of living. I'd rather be called pejorative names, than to have my family endure these living conditions.

As I write this, the police are pounding on my neighbor's door, and yelling for him to come out.

Look Back and Smile

2006-01-17T14:41:00.000-05:00

My wife and I took my older daughter ice skating. They skated... I sat on my ass (to avoid falling on it). I was writing in my iPAQ and not doing much of anything most of the time we were there.

My wife was finished, so she came to sit with me and watch our daughter zip around the rink. We sat there peacefully. She put her legs across mine, as I put my arm around her to keep her warm. Aww... cuddle-bunnies.

THUMP! Hahahaha! This very tall guy that had nearly fallen on my wife earlier, just busted ass. Or should I say: head. All 6+ ft of him came crashing down on his back and slammed his head into the ice. OUCH!
He was out like a light.

A small group of people gathered around to help him, but he wouldn't stay awake. Like Mike Tyson just clocked him in the chin. 9-1-1.

Paramedics got there. The guy was ok. A bit shaken and wobbly, but he's ok. I couldn't help my laughter - honestly.

My daughter said, "Would you laugh if it were you?"
"Not immediately," I said, "but someday this guy will look back on today, and he will see it as a funny story for his friends and family. Atleast, I know I will."

The Waiting Game

2006-01-06T18:06:00.000-05:00

I while back I went to a job interview (my first since completing college). I am happy to say that it went well. That doesn't mean I got a job - yet.

Here's what that means:

I had a good time and felt like I made a good impression.

The interviewers sent me an e-mail letting me know that they thought it went well - in my favor.

The interviewers were attempting to contact the main office in Florida - to schedule another interview (to fly me to FL).

The interviewers said they'd contact me the first or second week in January - to let me know where I stand.

I sent a "Thank you" letter to my interviewers when I got home - trying to do the right thing (I still have a slight brown stain on my nose).

I spoke with my former lead professor - he is now writing me a letter of recommendation.

I drank beer.

Now I'm waiting. Feeling the pressure build.

Some family members - and others - have the confidence that I already have the job... they've been telling everyone they know, I'm getting the job.

So what happens if I don't get it? I'll feel like an ass.

I'll follow Funk-E's advice for the next interview: don't say anything to any one.

Complaint Compliant I : FedEx

2005-12-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

This could also be called, "Stupidity in Database Creation." And here goes...

My wife got a new computer a little while back (the thing is awsome). But it was making this "whistling" noise. It kinda sounded like a fan, but not. Turns out it was the (250Gig) hard drive. So she called HP and they said they would take care of it.

HP said they would send FedEx with an empty box. We were to put the computer in the box, and send it back with the FedEx driver. We would get the computer back in a week or so. But...

A neighbor called, and said there was a box at our front door. Uh... OK. I opened the door, and sure enough, there was a box... with a FedEx label on it. No driver to be seen - he didn't even knock on the door. I took the box inside, put the computer in the box, Taped it shut, and placed the shipping label within a matter of seconds. But we had to call FedEx, and get them to make a second trip to our apartment to get the package.

Mrs. Tuck checked her e-mail a few days later and found that the computer was on its way (via FedEx). The package was in Knoxville (hooray!). Unfortunately, it was hanging out in the FedEx place - they didn't take it out on their rounds. My wife called and spoke to a woman that told her it was there. Since the Mrs. wanted her computer back NOW!, I said, "Let's go get it." And that's what we set off to do.

Upon arriving at the FedEx building, we realized we had left the tracking number at home. "That's OK," I said, "they've got a good database, I'm sure. It's FedEx." So we walked in and told the woman my wife's name - letting her know that we left the tracking number at home. The woman said, "I can't find your package without your tracking number. Who told you it was here?" Uh. Well. It was a woman - and since there was only one woman working in there...

After all kinds of rudeness from the people in the FedEx office, we convinced them to just take a quick look. About two minutes later, a man walked around the corner with the box containing my wife's repaired computer. "Thank you. Have a good day."

Does a company as large as FedEx have such a horrible database that they can't use a customer's name to search for packages? Surely not. That would be rediculous.

It's About Time

2005-12-15T21:03:00.000-05:00

Tonight was my final Final Exam. My last class of the semester and in my community college career. I have completed the requirements for my A.A.S. in GIS/Business and my Certificate in GIS/Technical.

Now, I must prepare for Monday. I have a job interview. And I need more than skill to land this one. Prayers and wishes are happily welcomed.

Harvey's Underwear

2005-12-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Harvey was kind enough to answer my last post with the response with this link: http://www.fruitcountryvideo.com/bio_leaf.aspx. That says it all.

Leaf is the mysterious fourth fruit. Although, "Liberace" was acceptable.

Fruit of the Loom, Harvey, Leaf, and Liberace. Hmm... An odd combination that I'm not sure I want to comment on.

Fruit of the Loom

2005-12-09T08:25:00.000-05:00

What are all of the fruits on the Fruit of the Loom commercials?

Apple. White (Green) Grapes. Red (Purple) Grapes. And what is that other thing?

I know you've seen the commercials, packages, or something. Have you a clue as to what it could be?

Research has turned up nothing. I'm beginning to think they just made it up.

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T16:09:00.000-05:00

Yes it is.
I haven't heard my son's voice since late June. But, at least, I get a relayed message from him. My wife got to speak with him, while visiting my mother today - I had to work. He told my wife all is good in his world, what he wants for Christmas, and that he has been so busy with his friends that he hasn't wanted to come see us. But he wants to come over around Christmas time - presents ya know.

That's my boy. Avoiding parental figures to spend time with friends. A regular chip off the ol' block. **tearing up** I'm so proud.

And on the job thing...
I heard something. Now I'm waiting to hear more. I'd go into detail, but I can't right now. Afraid of the jinx. Only certain people are allowed in that world.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Job Hunt

2005-11-15T21:20:00.000-05:00

I've been sending out my resume like mad. I sent out six - through e-mail (job search engines and business links)- when I got home from school today and mailed another. That seems to be the routine lately.

What are the odds of getting employed in such a way?
In Knoxville, that would be between Slim and None. And Slim ain't home.

That's why I'm sending resumes across the country.
Might even end up speaking Texan or South Carolinese. I didn't even study foreign languages in school. Well...

Logic

2005-11-12T15:32:00.000-05:00

I have come to the conclusion that logic is not real. If it were, more people would agree on what is logical, and would work together to achiev a logical outcome to most situations.

Illogic (if you will), is much more appropriate. Why would one be logical and have the whole world fighting him? That would not be logical. But it would. Er. Uh. Yeah.

It seems the general public does not agree with what a logical decision for most things would be. Simple deductive, conductive, and productive reasoning skills are lacking from most of the human race. But is this true?

It falls back to "illogic" you see. Those of us that are using logic and/or simple reasoning are in the wrong and are, therefore, illogical thinkers.

People with apparently no reasoning or logical thinking skills are in the same place we like to think we are now. The roles are reversed from what we think they are. That's how they keep us in their control - by letting us think we are the logical thinkers.

Illogicality (like that?) is what makes the world go 'round. If it weren't for that, explain this:
Hippies are peace lovers.
Many hippies/peace lovers drove/drive Volkswagens (vans/bugs).
Adolf Hitler was the driving force behind creating the Volkswagen. Yeah, that's right.
How logical is it that hippies/peace lovers support/drive/drove an idea associated with (arguably) one of the most evil warmongers (not to be confused with American Warmonger) to ever live?
Logic/illogic whatever. I need a nap.

GET A JOB

2005-11-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

That's all I'm trying to do.
Yeah. I have a McJob right now, but it's no career - not for me anyway.

I am a bit pissed right now at my lead professor. See. He fed me the typical B.S. that I know is his job, but it's not his job to straight out lie to people. "There are lots of jobs for people with these skills, there are more jobs in the field than there are people to fill them." You know what? He's still using that same crap three years later.

A lot of jobs, huh?

Why the hell are there so many people with Masters degrees in similar fields that are competing for the same jobs I am? I'm only getting an A.A.S. out of this. It's not like I'm any real competition for a masters.

And the skills the professor was talking about. I've got 'em. Not trying to toot my own horn or anything, but I've got 'em. I know what I'm doing and I'm damn good at it. I can layeth the GIS Smack Down with the best of 'em. Hell! I even correct some of the teachers' and other GIS professionals' mistakes or misunderstandings, when they need it. Fact: I know my shit.

But where are these jobs the good Dr. was talking about?

The other night, in class, some of my classmates were asking my opinion - concerning what they should do about next semesters' class schedule. I told them to change their major, and find something they can use to get employed. I wonder how many of them will listen to me. One of them said, "Why don't you change your major?" To which I replied, "Simple. I graduate next month. It's a bit late for me."

I'm not through bitching about this yet. I'll have more at a later date. Just had to get that out. Thanks for glancing at this page.

Mad Doctor

2005-11-02T14:57:00.000-05:00

I was sitting in class the other night, just piddling on my computer and listening to students talk about their RFP & Proposal projects. Not a lot happening, and that is what started making the professor upset, as his tone clearly revealed. "Haven't you read the assignment outline," he said to the class. "Didn't you pay attention at our last class meeting?" Then it happened.
One poor soul had the audacity, the nerve, the ignorance, and pure stupidity to say: "I don't understand why we have to do this assignment." BOOM!!
The professor exploded into a fit of rage, the likes of which I have only seen in one other place. Remember the movie, Waterboy with Adam Sandler? When Bobby got mad and tackled "Col. Sanders" - that's what it was like in the classroom (just without the tackling).
The professor had been sitting on a table at the side of the classroom. In an instant he was half way across the 30' wide room, and was in this guy's face. Screaming at him. "My God man! Where have you been? Have you heard anything I've said?"
Apparently dumbfounded and shocked, like the rest of the class, the student replied with, "I just don't get it."
Ever squeeze a water-balloon until it popped? Ya know that point right before it bursts? How the super-stressed latex is almost sweating the water through its piths... That's what the professor's face looked like. We thought he was gonna pop / or have a heart attack.
Words flew from the professor's mouth that I never imagined him saying. And as he strolled himself to the back wall of the room (trying to look calm), he placed his trembling hands in his pockets. Thus transferring attention from his hands to his shaking pants.
We all knew the student was trying to get a rise out of the professor, but it was beginning to piss some of us off. I was especially pissed, when I learned this student was trying to get our professor in trouble with the college's president. He knew what he was doing. He was pushing those buttons on purpose. Asshole.
It was wrong. It was prickish. It was scary. It was funny. And it made everyone else in the class look better. Thanks Bob.
A buddy of mine was talking to his boss about it the next morning at about 9am. His boss told him that he had already heard about it at 8:30am. This was at a business about 12 miles away. WOW, news travels fast. Even the good doctor's son new about it - in a neighboring town.
I'm on my way to that same class tonight. Hmm. I wonder what's in store.

Funk-E Luck

2005-10-22T16:06:00.000-04:00

Often,I get e-mails from Funk-E. He shares his fortunate and less-than-fortunate days with me and I find humor in the latter. Lots of humor. Check this out and you'll see what I mean.

My computer blew up while I was out fucking around accomplishing nothing on the city streets, but I only found that out after waiting 30 minutes for the manager to let me back in my motel room because the key card quit working. These people are lazy worthless hippies. Or they're crackheads. Or meth addicts! Blacks are always wandering through the landscape around here, drifting around like they don't have a clue...and they don't, they're all wasted...almost scares the Southerner. But only almost! HAHAHA!

I was ready to give up for the night, but something told me to buy a video card at the local Walmart. That was the problem...dead video card, your machine will no longer boot or make any of the familiar signs and noises of booting.

The WM here in south Oakland is like some damn African village store...everyone inside is black (not complaining, just pointing out), drugged, toothless, brainless, and staggering around looking for Raider Nation clothes and shit. Makes me sick. The checkout lines are a mile long, because the checkout people don't give a shit, management obviously doesn't give a shit...they're all related...and the customers don't give a shit. Everybody is high on drugs or laziness or something...disgusting.

I drove through the crack block today by accident and survived (everyone is wasted and passed out on Saturday afternoons, fortunately) and just when I thought all was good, the next block turned out to be...the fucking West Coast HQ of the Hell's Angels, Oakland Clubhouse. Chrome choppers down both sides of the block, and various Angels wandering around...I didn't look for one second, I just rolled quickly and smoothly out of there. I hate this town.

What the...oh yeah, what I was going to say was, you just described how I got my big GIS job! HAHAHA! So take it from me, start putting BS on your resume. The jobs you want, if they catch you on the interview, you wouldn't have gotten in without it anyway. If they don't catch you, you just got a job you want, and they just got a worker who can actually work. In fact you could probably reveal the truth later and they'll be surprised and say thanks for setting them straight!

Actually I may be telling you how to get my job here when they fire me next week.

I'm outta weed. Time to call PDS over in San Fran, the Pot Delivery Service. Except I'm going rapidly broke before I make a dime, between motel bills, PC repair, and oh yeah, my electric shaver died and I had to get a new one of those today for $70. Life sucks. Meanwhile, I know life down in San Diego would still be good...if impoverished...

OK, time to do some Autocad shit (and drink some rum and coke...)

Maybe life in TN ain't so bad... even if I can't find a decent job.

What Happened?

2005-10-19T18:18:00.000-04:00

Is there a problem with the .mu.nu sites?

I'm not finding any of you...

Hello?

Blogfather?
Bloggrandfather?

Why have you forsaken me?

What's Been Happnin'

2005-10-07T19:30:00.000-04:00

School. Work. Home. Repeat.

I had a guy ask me for a quote as a consultant on a GIS project the other day. I asked about the details and that made things get a bit weird. He gave me general ideas about the project... I gave him the same about a quote. He said, "How long and how much? Point blank." I said, "500 hours over six months at $25 per hour - $12,500. How's that?"

I have not heard from him since.

He was talking to a friend of mine at the same time. We both were giving him the same quote, apparently. He must have thought we were trying to scam him or something. I told my friend, "He has no idea of how high most people charge."

That's ok. I'm still employed - though I despise the place. I gotta find a real job. I'm not asking for much - I don't think. I'm asking for about $5 - $10 (thousand) less than my lead professor thinks I should take. But I don't see the job offers flyin' in.

How's School?
Database Management: learning SQL (call me a geek, but I like it). Took a test. I think I did well.

Planning & Executing Projects (project management): writing RFPs and Proposals (I can do those in my sleep). Took a test. Did well.

Data Sources & Quality: I'm not sure... Took a test... think I did well.

Remind me to tell you about Tennessee Construction Career Days. That was (depressing) odd.

At work: it's Christmas time... remind me to tell you about the Proctologist Nutcracker and His Unsuspecting Victim. (I have pics).

Thinking of Payday

2005-09-28T15:10:00.000-04:00

Ever look at your pay check and laugh (not from joy)?

Balloon Rally at PSTCC

2005-09-26T19:53:00.000-04:00

The PSTCC Balloon Rally took place this past weekend. I was a volunteer as one of the Balloon Crew. All that means is that I was a helper for the balloon pilot. I helped to set-up and take down the balloon.

I learned a bit more about ballooning than I thought I would, but it was fun. I even got a few good pictures in the process.

Friday night was the Balloon Glow. That's where they wait until it gets dark and then they light up the balloons in synch to music. With there being about 20 balloons in the "Glow" this was quite challenging for the choreographer, but it turned out nice. Really a cool event to see. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the Balloon Glow in all its splendor - I was having to help with one of the balloons and only got to see an up-close view of a nearly 40million BTU flame... it's warm.

On Saturday morning, the first (and only) competition was under way. They chose a location to launch from and flew to the college. The object of the competition was to drop a sand bag from the balloon to the giant 'X' located at a designated spot. My crew's pilot won second place (a.k.a. First Loser). I didn't get to fly that morning, but the pilot took us to breakfast and said I could fly that afternoon. And he was a man of his word.
It was my first time flying in a hot-air balloon. Kinda cool. Very quiet. Until the blasts of propane fueled noise invaded the silence. They were usually only short bursts. Enough to let you sink into the peace of viewing your surroundings, and kick you in the back of the head for wanting to enjoy it. But after the first few minutes you get used to it. Unfortunately, all I had was a few minutes.

I'll share pics. But just a couple.

Ya Don't See This Everywhere

2005-09-22T15:07:00.000-04:00

I took this photo a while back. I was visiting a flea market in Sweetwater, TN.

This one was taken in North Carolina at Chimney Rock Park. These are stuffed animals... covered with real animal fur. Uhh...

Job Offer

2005-09-22T14:37:00.000-04:00

I got a phone call a couple of days ago. This guy was offering me a job. WOW! How much and when do I start? Well, that was my first thought (duration: 3 nanoseconds).
So he continues telling me about the job: A GIS company in Knoxville needing people to travel back and forth between Knoxville and New Orleans. They're remapping the N.O. area, so about half of the job will include travel.

Hey, if I were single with no children and I weren't currently attending college classes... I would jump on it. But as it sits, I must decline. I was busy trying to think of a way that I could accept the job and didn't catch how much the pay was. Maybe he didn't even say - I don't know.

Since I had received an e-mail from him prior to his phone call, he asked if I could pass the info along, if I knew anyone that may be interested and is qualified. So I decided to forward the e-mail to Funk-E, my guest blogger. Obviously he's not exactly hurting for a job, but in TN the cost of living compared to the wages paid is a bit more in favor of us (depending on where you work and what you do).

In an almost unrelated area of personal interest. I have a quiz tonight in my database class. The professor wants to see if we can organize a crappy txt file into a first order normal form database format. No problem. I think I'll sleep through class tonight. Oh! Remind me to get my disk back from the professor tonight.

Guest Blogger

2005-09-20T09:54:00.000-04:00

Funk-E, Funk Master E, E-DGPS, or whatever he's going by... He's the guy that I'm allowing to guestblog for a while.

Maybe, he'll have his own soon.

We'll see...

yo

2005-09-20T01:12:00.000-04:00

Yo yo yo yo yo! What up! This here is the fresh funk-master E in da house! Representing now for the west coast, strangely enough.

I know it's been a long time since I rapped at ya, but I've had a lot of stuff going down lately.

TO begin with, I'm a geographer, and that's probably why I find myself living in San Diego fixing radar and satellite phones on mega-yachts. I dropped into SD 6 weeks previous to now on my way back from a 4-day weekend in Sydney Australia, and I decided not to leave. My car's been in Atlanta airport parking since then, I wear the same 4 changes of clothes I took to Sydney over and over, and there's nothing like an education in geography to prepare you to be an unemployed world-traveller.

I'm not sure why I'm writing this blog, because as I said to my homie who owns the page, blogging only takes the place of talking to god for those who don't believe, so that the afflicted (afflicted with the standard weights of living upon his shoulders) may gain the pleasant feeling of unburdening oneself to a larger body, without expectation of response but the belief that his mutterings don't go completely unnoticed. Why have thoughts if you can't think them and tell somebody else? If you can get past that, you're free to think whatever you want, secure in the knowledge that it's all just talk.

I'd better skip ahead to the interesting part. This weekend, I drank a perfect recreation of Czech beer in the grubbiest city north of Guatemala, the oft-reviled Tijuana Mexico, I photographed the world's leading surfers at a meet in Oceanside (Oceancide?), and then, to cap it all off, I bought a beer at Saddam's cousin's liquor store. Yeah, that Saddam. I'm now three-degrees-of-separation away from Saddam! Dude! Sweet! Dude! Sweet! The interesting thing is, Saddam's cousin runs a liquor store (Saddam runs, or ran, but runs sure sounds better to me, rape rooms) and is a Christian, judging by the large portrait of Jesus behind his cash register (Saddam is, or was, but is sure sounds better to me, an atheistic Marxist), and by all means an upstanding valuable citizen. (Saddam is, or was, but so are a lot of people, a totally worthless citizen.)

Southern California is a fun and interesting place to live. That's probably what my guest blog was supposed to be about, if I hadn't wasted it to this point with crunk talk (I'm crunk!), but I'm sure everybody has heard something about SoCal and can't be convinced by me that it's any different than what they already think. But just in case: it sux. Despite that fact, I love it and wish to stay. I ignore the people, and I soak up the weather. It's everything Caracas should be (read: in the first world).

Some observations are required though, I'm sure. OK. Check it out. This state is all about car culture. These jokers can customize a car like nobody's business. Fancy paint. Upholstery. Chrome motors. Lowriders hopping on hydraulics. Car culture. But doing all that stuff apparently leaves the citizens no time to actually learn to drive. California drivers are the worst. Tennessee drivers are the best. Tennesseeans have no idea how to build a cool car (read: a car that wasn't obviously built by hillbillies to fulfill a hillbilly's dream of what a cool car might possibly be).

SoCal does, though, truly understand what rock and roll is all about. The radio stations here are the best. The rest of the country just plays this music because they've heard people like it and everybody else plays it, so they should too, but they really have no idea what rock and roll really is.

And here ends the blog, because the cheap very good tequila I bought in Tijuana on Saturday night is calling me, and so is my air mattress. I'm flying back to Tennessee on Friday, but only for a short time. Then I'm taking a higher paying job in NorCal. NorCal sucks in every possible way known to man, but I'm a sucker for a buck. After all, I'm a geographer.

Fed up right now

2005-09-10T15:15:00.000-04:00

It's been a bit since I last posted, but I've been doing a bit of thinking. Dangerous, I know, but sometimes it must be done.

This Katrina thing has pissed me off in several ways. People talking about Katrina have pissed me off in several ways. I listen to talk radio a fair amount, and it is often the only place I find sane voices of reason. However, the callers are often ignorant assholes with very strong opinions.

Maybe their just Democrats.

I have an assignment due Tuesday morning. The assignment is to prepare a presentation for Michael Brown (FEMA) that tells what should be done now and in the near future. It goes a bit beyond that and it's alittle detailed, but it is supposed to only be about a page long. I have about three pages. Guess I need to pick a few things and keep it simple.

Just kidding about the Democrat thing. I'm not politically affiliated and I don't subscribe to anyone's method of thinking other than my own. Maybe my thoughts are not always what's right, but they are mine.

Dad told me very few things that weren't lies. Among them was, "Politicians are all liars. Just vote for the one that you think is doing the best job at it."

Making a Difference

2005-09-03T21:49:00.000-04:00

Has anything you've done made your life better?

As I look around my apartment and think of the past 10 years of my life, I can say yes. It's not about the things that are in my apartment. It's about my life being better. What did I do to make it better?

I married my wife.

Things I Know About Today

2005-09-03T17:32:00.000-04:00

It was not a good day. I didn't wake up when my alarm went off, I was four hours late to work, my debit card would not work, I'm out of cash, and my balls itch.

The good news: My boss wasn't mad, my oil got changed, my new debit card was in the mailbox when I got home, my wife loves me, and my daughters aren't pregnant.

School / Life

2005-09-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

The first week of the semester is over. I have three classes, but only two professors. My favorite class is Planning & Executing GIS Projects (Project Management).
I guess that's my favorite because of the syllabus. Three tests, three projects, three reports, and lots of hands-on. I'll kick ass in this class. See, the tests are worth 20% of the final grade (each), and the projects are worth 40% total. That's not my ideal situation, but I can make it work for me. I have a kind of gift for managing GIS Projects and I acknowledge the skills I have and (more importantly) don't have. Not being cocky, just honest. With enough leadership under my belt, I will be able to bring up any test grades that may not go my way. This should allow me to come out of class with an 'A' for the semester. As long as I can get an 'A' in my other two classes, I'll be happy. Let me tell you why.

My high school career was a joke. Almost literally. I graduated with the bare minimum. I had a 1.57 GPA (Really, I have my transcripts). I was not a good student. I could have done the work, but I chose to do other things. I almost flunked Woodshop, due to skipping class. I sucked as a student. And because of that everyone thought I was just another dumb redneck that would be a moron for life.
I damn near proved them right. And if it weren't for my mother-in-law, I wouldn't be usin' me noggin fir much uh nuthin'. She offered to pay for my college education. It was a Christmas present. Awesome gift, huh? I accepted her generosity and wept like a baby. No one ever did anything like that for me. I didn't want to dishonor her gift with bad grades.
I've been busting my hump in school. I can only take 9 to 12 hours per semester, while working a full-time job (sometimes a part-time too) and trying to spend time with my wife and kids; therefore, it has taken me a while to make it through. I currently have a 3.95 GPA and am in my last semester (3 classes). I am one of the few people that are the pride of my lead professor. I have an excellent working knowledge of different types of software, hardware, methods, theories, and hands-on skills that many companies look for. I feel that I have a lot to be proud of. My downfall is that I will not have the degree most employers are looking for (B.A. or B.S.). I will have an A.A.S.. Hey, it's more than I had. And I actually get to use my brain.

Local Thought Stream

2005-09-02T21:13:00.000-04:00

People are people and unfortunately their not always civil. Here in Knoxville, there have been numerous people buying items (mainly water) to donate.
There was a tractor-trailer set up at Farragut High School that was being loaded and many of those items were being purchased from my work place.

First: The guy that donated his time and rig to the cause... lost his rig. It was parked in an area of the parking lot that had weak soil (almost a sink-hole). The soil gave way, the trailer folded, the rig is out of commission.

Second: I helped a woman load 10 cases of water into her car. I asked if she was going to the school to donate the water to the relief effort of the hurricane survivors. She said, "Don't get me on my soapbox. I'm donating this to those poor people. And I think we need to stop helping other countries for a while and help our own." There was more to it, but I won't go into all of that (my memory can't hold all of it).

Third: We, as Americans, hold a great deal of pride in our civility. We know we have laws, rules, and structure for a reason. Those of us that are "law-abiding" citizens don't have a problem following the rules and living in accordance with the laws. We are happy to have structure to our society - it helps to maintain civility. And while we look at many other countries, and wonder how they can be so uncivilized and opposed to order, sturcture, law, and rules. In short, they are seen as barbarians. It is sad. The short time that a part of our country has been in distress, many of those people have shown the same ruthless behavior as America's barbarian counterparts. They are human. Whether we choose to believe that or not, it is true. Though the majority of our people (and people everywhere) are peaceful and civil at heart, it only takes a few "bad apples" to ruin everything for everyone.

Retailers of every kind should be ashamed of themselves. Greed has no place at this time. Yet it is everywhere. I noticed this morning, that a case of water was up to almost $6. Yesterday it was about $4. Gas here has risen by almost 50cents in the past 2 or 3 days. They know people are buying things to donate, so they raise the prices. They know people will panic over gas, so they raise the prices. Who are they? Upper management of the establishments we purchase from.
What can we do about it? I'm open to suggestions. I'm sorry to say, I depend on the things they sell. I am a consumer. So are most of you - don't think you aren't.
What would you do if you couldn't afford gasoline, yet you have no other way to work? Ride a bike? How long will that last? Do you have a family to support? What about their needs?
We all have a great many questions that can't be answered. Right now, I'm just kinda typing a thought stream. Yeah, I made it a little bit past a drizzle.

Amazing

2005-09-02T19:45:00.000-04:00

My wife is out of town right now. I'm kinda bored... I couldn't resist.
What's crazy is how many things are dead on.

Humphrey Bogart
You scored 35% Tough, 4% Roguish, 38% Friendly, and 23% Charming!

You're the original man of honor, rough and tough but willing to stick your neck out when you need to, despite what you might say to the contrary. You're a complex character full of spit and vinegar, but with a soft heart and a tender streak that you try to hide. There's usually a complicated dame in the picture, someone who sees the real you behind all the tough talk and can dish it out as well as you can. You're not easy to get next to, but when you find the right partner, you're caring and loyal to a fault. A big fault. But you take it on the chin and move on, nursing your pain inside and maintaining your armor...until the next dame walks in. Or possibly the same dame, and of all the gin joints in all the world, it had to be yours. Co-stars include Ingrid Bergman and Lauren Bacall, hot chicks with problems.

Find out what kind of classic dame you'd make by taking the Classic Dames Test.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 64% on Tough

You scored higher than 4% on Roguish

You scored higher than 71% on Friendly

You scored higher than 31% on Charming

Link: The Classic Leading Man Test written by gidgetgoes on OkCupid Free Online Dating

Got Gas?

2005-09-01T14:50:00.000-04:00

I watched a particular gas station raise the price of gas 30 cents in two days.
Up to now $3.29 in Knoxville, TN.

What city do you live in?

How much is gasoline?

If You're Gonna Donate to Something

2005-08-30T16:39:00.000-04:00

As everyone knows, some of the southern states got torn apart by the latest hurricane - Katrina.

I'm not a supporter of donating to foreign lands, but I do believe in donations to help in your own country. While I know noone in the affected areas, I will donate to them. They are our fellow countrymen, our neighbors.

I ask of you all: please buy a gallon of water to donate, or some other form of usable clothing or perishable - money is no good to people with no place to spend it.

Beautiful Women

2005-08-28T21:07:00.000-04:00

I pulled guard duty for about an hour and a half today. While there, this very thin young woman came walking in with a person I believe is her mother. I've gotta tell ya about this girl.

She looks about 23 - 26 years old, 5'7" to 5'9" (sometimes 6', if she's in heels), Pam Anderson blonde hair, some Pam Anderson similarities in the face (which clearly is not natural), very thin legs, very thin torso, and I must say she's very thin. Tammy Faye has nothing on this girl, when it comes to make-up. Most strippers wear more clothing than her... while on stage. I'm sure most trailer-park-whores have more (better) fashion-sense. The 'bitch' attitude exudes from her and follows in her wake, like her memories of entertaining the high school football team and not being asked to the prom are always on her mind.

Who is she? I do not know. Nor do I wish to know.

Do women believe this physical description is what men want? I'm not gonna lie to ya, many of us enjoy looking at a woman that looks like a living Barbie doll. But that's about the extent of the damage. If you're an average (or larger) sized gal, don't sweat it.

You are beautiful and desired the way you are.If you're single: wait for a man mature enough to see that. If you're not single: your mature man loves you as you are - or you'll be single soon and he'll be bangin' the blonde chick noted above.

*walks off quietly rapping*
"I like big butts and I cannot lie..."

Fire At Will!

2005-08-27T16:07:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine called me up the other day and informed me of the foul intensions of some preacher that owns a website called:
www.g- o- d- h- a- t- e- s- f- a- g- s.com (without the hyphens and spaces)(I'm not linking to this site, because it would only give his site added help).

This worthless piece of fecal matter has the audacity to (attempt to) denegrate our troops. As if it is not bad enough that he is disrespecting his own country's military, he's throwing nasty names and slanderous remarks about America's fallen soldiers... at their funerals. This prick is making a tour across Tennessee, to as many of the military funerals as he can.

Now, I'm all for a person's right to free speach and the right to peacefully assemble, but come on. I believe the spouses, parents, children, and friends of everyone have the right to bury their dead in peace. They should also have the right to shoot assholes like this guy on sight.

I have opined. More facts can be found (HERE). This link is not the Knoxville News Sentinel - you need a membership to view that, but this person's site has a copy of the article.

From Gmail

2005-08-26T13:54:00.000-04:00

Testing once again.

This test brought to you by our sponsor.

Trying to see if it works. Or doesn't.

Thanks Harvey

Redundancy

2005-08-24T16:51:00.000-04:00

Workplace announcement of the day.
(I've heard this one before.)

"Attention Shoppers:

We will be distributing and handing out free gifts in Household Chemicals, today.

This is our last and final call."

Not kidding. They really said it. Just. Like. That.

Test2

2005-08-24T03:51:00.000-04:00

I have many email accounts, but no gmail.
Yes Harvey, I'd love to try that gmail thang.
Thanks

--
___________________________________________________________
I had to cut the tag off of this post, post posting.
mail.com adds their own stuff too

Free Parking...

2005-08-23T14:40:00.000-04:00

...too bad gas isn't.

The prick mentioned in my previous post is still parked in the same place. Apparently, noone knows who or why this is. It's a nice Durango. Needs a new set of tires. Clean. Hmm... Maybe I'll put a Post-It note on there, and if there's no reply I'll just take it.

Maybe not. Too much of a gas hog. Maybe they left it there because they couldn't afford gas and they ran out. Serves them right. SUVs are tools of the devil.

Even my in-laws are getting rid of one of their SUVs. 3/4 of a tank is costing them about $75 right now (OUCH!) - that's near Atlanta.

For those of you that are up north or out west: I feel for you.

Elitist Parking

2005-08-21T15:57:00.000-04:00

I saw Johnny - Oh! in the store today.
Him being the elitist that he is... I thought this was his ride, until I saw his "elevated" van out front.

So since this wasn't him: what kind of prick parks in the middle of the loading zone?

Testing Testing

2005-08-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

1, 2, 3...

Yeah. I can count.

Trying out this e-mail thingy.

Should I use it for ease?

Or is it too sloppy looking?

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Quite Ridicilicilous

2005-08-19T10:46:00.000-04:00

Let me start by saying: What The F***?

We have everyone and their "lover" telling us to be politically correct.
We have half of those people telling us what politically correct is.
Too many people hiding behind the first amendment just so they can get some trash talk in / or so they can get their faces in front of a camera and have their 15 minutes. (I must agree with Rush Limbaugh on this: "You have the right to say what you want, but you do not have the right to be heard.")
Too much talk and too many laws to make life fair for everyone in the U.S., while the talk is all lies and the laws are only to benefit certain people.
Tolerance for being stepped on and a lack of balls to knock the piss out of the stepper - a lack of balls due to being politically correct.

So what is it that set this post into motion?
I was watching Tom & Jerry this morning. Seriously - that's it.

I remember watching this cartoon when I was a kid and thinking it was great. I remember watching other shows and thinking how wonderful they were, and they were family (child friendly) oriented. Most of the cartoon violence was so outlandishly ridiculous that even a child knew this was not something that could really happen.

As I got older I liked the newer things and shows. Kung Fu with David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine - some violence, but with explanation and a good message - showed very few death scenes and was entertaining. Night Court with Harry Anderson as a magic loving judge and John Laroquette as a horny prosecutor after Christine Sullivan. Sure there were sexual innuendos, but the language was clean. All in the Family was a good one, Archie Bunker was over the top racist and provided a good example of what not to be - as a kid I could see that the things he said and did were wrong and that made it that much more important that I not act that way. I believe the older, less politically correct shows were a better influence on children than the more politically correct shows of today.

My children read a great portion of the time. It's not that my wife or I force them to do so - they enjoy it. I am very proud of them for that. But, ya know, they are allowed to watch television. The only times they are not allowed to do so is when they are being punished - perhaps a t.v. rule was broken. I believe kids have just as much of a right to watch t.v. as adults. It's not like tobacco or alcohol - or driving. It is a form of entertainment that has no age limit and is available in your home.

I remember a time when the more adult themed shows would come on later at night, when the children should be in bed. Wait... don't they still do that? The Shield, Adult Swim, South Park... I thought so. So why am I flipping channels in the morning and early afternoon hours and hearing words that are clearly adult oriented? I know, kids hear these words any way, right? Not in my house. Shit, Fuck, Asshole, and GD are not a part of the vocabulary in use while speaking to or around my children. If I will not use these words in the company of my kids, and I don't think anyone else should either.

When the older shows were on, they didn't need colorful language to be entertaining. Look back at their popularity - think of the shows you watched as a kid, and how many people did you know of that watched them, AH! wait, here ya go... did they have a lunch box made after them? And how much bad language was there? ...yeah.

I know I am not going to change anything about the shows that are on, but I don't have to watch them either. If you don't like what's on... change it. But while you're changing it, you shouldn't be able to not get away from it.

V-chip? Parental Controls?
I use parental controls on my kids' computer. I shouldn't have to on a t.v., and television manufacturers shouldn't have to make these options available for concerned parents. Consumers shouldn't have to pay for these features in a t.v. either. If the t.v. has to have a chip or anything else to allow the parent to control the settings... the companies producing the television shows should have to pay the added expense of those televisions. I bet the language factor would drop then, huh? I have more on this, but I've a headache at the moment.

I think I'll listen to the radio for a while. Maybe even take a nap. Don't wake me unless Cindy Sheehan has been shot - I don't want to miss the party.

Back to School

2005-08-13T16:32:00.000-04:00

The kids are back in school and college classes resume soon.

I was looking at the classes available for the coming semester and I got a bit pissed. There are several classes I would love to take this semester, but they weren't offered in the past and I don't have time for them now. Figures.

I got one of my textbooks in the mail today. I took a quick skim through it - I guess it ain't bad. It covers a bit more GIS history than I really needed to be reading about. I've been going over the same things in GIS history for a few years now. I don't see what we have to learn from its history - except for the mistakes and successes. I take the time to learn it any way - I try to be a good student.

Three classes this semester and that's it. Graduate. Let's hope I can pull off as much project creation and management as I have in the past. Otherwise, I'll be watching my GPA slip away. Project creation and porject management are the only things that have kept my GPA up so far - test grades may not go my way, but I perform excellent with real projects.

I guess I need to talk to my lead professor soon. He said something about trying to get me a job by the time I graduate. We'll see how that goes. Well - I hope.

Confederacy Love and Hate

2005-08-08T21:54:00.000-04:00

I read an article in a local paper that was based on the Confederate Battle Flag, and discussed this area's history in regards to the Civil War. This particular article had been written because of some opposing views about one of the local high school mascots and their flag... the Rebels and the Confederate Battle Flag. Over the summer, this battle has been waged and there have been more than the usual number of shirts with the Confederate Battle Flag on them.

Now I'm a born and bred southerner - conceived in Georgia, born and raised in Tennessee - but that doesn't mean I'm a redneck hick. Yeah, I've been looking at a few of those shirts and thinkin', "I like that," or "that's funny." One of my favorites reads: "If this flag offends you, you need a history lesson." I like it because it's true. But I wonder how much history the shirt owners have bothered to learn. No, I do not own a shirt depicting this historically and educationally abused flag, but I do have a certain respect for that flag. As I do the old flags of America's first years (Don't Tread On Me). Ya know, at one time those were seen as the flags of Rebels. And as Americans, how many of us are not proud of our great flag and the country we have become? I dare ya to doubt the pride of a Brit. Or to say that the Union Jack is offensive, because the religious oppression your ancestors endured and finally fled.

About that Confederate flag history... Well, the history lesson you get all depends on who you're talkin' to, or which books (or websites) you read. I like stories that get to the point and this website gets right to it: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/confederate3.html

Although hate groups have perverted this flag in the eyes of so many people, there are still those that love this flag and have respect for what it stood for and stands for in their hearts. The majority of those that understand its meaning are much older than I, the majority of those are southern, and most of those people come from Scottish and Scotch-Irish ancestry. How 'bout an example?

My wife's grandmother is an active Daughter of the Confederacy. She is the daughter of a Confederate soldier. She is as southern as a person, place, or thing can be. Ask this woman about the history of the Confederate Battle Flag. I'm sure there would be some factual information thrown in there... somewhere. But more than that. You would understand that this symbol has nothing to do with racism, oppression, hate, or any of the other horrible things that have become associated with it. On the other hand, if you were to ask a woman who watched as her father was killed by a hate-group that used this flag, I'm sure you would get quite a differing view. In both instances, people are drawing on their education and the experiences that educated them and formed their views. To one, it is a symbol that holds a dear history of country, family, ideals, and childhood memories. To the other, it is a symbol of hate, fear, loss, and all the horror involved with these.

"If this flag offends you, you need a history lesson." But if you can't understand how someone can be offended by it, you need a lesson in ethics and/or compassion. And how many of us can see both sides of the fence? I know I've had a problem doing that, at times - and I still do, at times. But I never claimed to be perfect.

I'm not entirely a religious man, not exactly free of a bias point of view, I don't like all people (let alone love them), I have as much prejudice in me as most people do, I'm too serious when I don't need to be and not very serious when I should be, I don't call my son or my mother like I should... and the list goes on. So, as you can see, I'm not casting any stones toward anyone for their point of view (this time). But I am saying that some things are misunderstood. And without knowing the whole story behind each individual person and their reasoning: it is impossible to know what offends them, what they know, and what are their limits for compromise. In today's world, it's the same thing as trying to be politically correct with everyone while trying to "be one of them."

As the addage goes: you can't make all of the people happy all of the time.

Everyone needs education. If they don't think so, it's probably because they have no need for education...

History lesson? Ethics? _________? Yeah.

That too.

Cheeseburger in Paradise

2005-08-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

Took the family to Chimney Rock Park in Chimney Rock, NC. This place should be a.k.a. Million Stairs. Everyone's legs were a bit shakey by the time we left there and headed to Asheville, NC.
Interesting note for Johnny-oh: The elevator at Chimney Rock Park was placed via blasting through granite (26 stories).

Since we were in the mood for some grub, we decided to head on over to Jimmy Buffet's place. It was not as easy to find as one would think (maybe I'll post a better map for it than is provided on Jimmy's site.

The food: it was pretty good.
The margarita (original - frozen): great.
Best drink: Tooter Topper - coconut (tequila shooter topped with coconut).
Price: pretty cheap.
Service: good.

The ride back to Knoxville: zzzzz.

Looking Up

2005-07-31T21:05:00.000-04:00

"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return"
Leonardo da Vinci

Now there's something I haven't done in a while. Man, I miss that.

Missing the Crawl

2005-07-30T22:20:00.000-04:00

I has been busy today. Took the kids horseback riding and to Dollywood. Going back to Dollywood tomorrow. I made a new friend today. He's a "bit" camera shy, but doesn't mind "wheny" I horse around with a few bad puns. Meet Rocco.

Trying ImageShack

2005-07-28T21:54:00.000-04:00

A nice shot of Chicago @ night from Navy Pier.

Computer Based Learning (CBL)

2005-07-28T14:35:00.000-04:00

I had to be exposed to my employer's retarded form of education today. One of the pages I had to read AND listen to read as follows:

"Fire extinguishers are located throughout the facility. You can identify fire extinguishers on the sales floor by poles with red tape around them near the ceiling or a red sign with the words 'FIRE EXTINGUISHER' and an arrow pointing down to the extinguisher. This signifies that the pole has a fire extinguisher." The first photo is just to prove I didn't have to make it up.

The second photo is of one of the True/False questions on the test. It reads: "You can identify fire extinguishers on the salesfloor by looking for poles with yellow and black tape around them near the ceiling."

The sad part: I know someone that missed that question. *sigh*

Help me... Please. My brain is dying in this place.

Inside Chicago

2005-07-27T08:40:00.000-04:00

I was just thinking of my June vacation. My wife and I took a trip to Chicago (she had never been). I got a bunch of really good photos, but I was thinking of some of the shots I wasn't supposed to get.

We went to the Museum of Science and Industry and saw the 200 plus bodies that were on display (Body Worlds) - check the link, you won't be sorry. They have this silly no photo rule, for that particular exhibit. Riiiiight...;-)

So I took this little camera that a really cool pal gave to me. It's tiny and holds a metric ass-load of photos. I couldn't get many (due to security), but I'll share what I got.

This guy is a 2 for 1. His skeleton is standing in back and his muscles are standing in front.

Same from behind (you can see the skeleton arm).

This fellow was just sitting at a desk. If you look along his thigh/butt-cheek area, you can see the nerve that gets pinched so often - it's about as big around as a pencil.

Here's what all the blood vessels in your face would look like if you could separate them from the bone, muscle, nerves, and fat.

Like I said, it ain't much, but it's all I got that you can see the target clearly.

Another Day in Eden

2005-07-26T15:24:00.000-04:00

Religious Opposites in the workplace. It seems my department has a wide variety, let me give ya a taste.

There's the Department Mgr.: Southern Baptist
Cashier 1: Seventh Day Adventist
Cashier 2: Catholic
Cashier 3: Non-denominational, lives with her mom the converted Jew
Stocker 1: Methodist
Stocker 2: Non-denominational
Stocker 3: Agrees with whoever is speaking
Me: Yes

There are more people than that - I just avoid most of them. You would too.

With the current crew, it's easy to get crap started. So easy it just drains the fun right out of it.

Velvet Ant

2005-07-22T17:40:00.000-04:00

Shortly after my last post, I learned what the strange bug was. It's called a velvet ant, but it's actually a wingless, female wasp they preys on other insects, bees, and wasps. It is also known by the names "cow killer" and "mule killer." They say it can hurt a man pretty bad.

I was fishing with my kids when my wife spotted it on the shore. Glad I didn't try to pick it up and use it as bait.

Check these links out:
Velvet Ant
http://entowww.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg344.html
http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/inverts/dasymutilla.html
http://ag.arizona.edu/urbanipm/insects/bees/velvetants.html

Strange Bug

2005-07-22T13:40:00.000-04:00

Can anyone tell me what this is?
It looks like an ant (6 legs and shape).
But I've no idea what it is.
It's about 1.5 to 2 inches long & about an inch wide (including legs).

Outsourcing #@$%

2005-07-20T22:19:00.000-04:00

Watching the tube and... The Christian Children's Fund is asking for money to help those poor starving children. Why is it those children are in foreign lands and the CCF is not doing much to help the kids here? (I had this question in my Ethics class a while back.) No matter what anyone says, I'm locked on this one - charity begins at home. So am I wrong on this? I mean, enough of our jobs are being outsourced to other countries, why should we also be sending them more money in the form of charity?
Sure they get bad storms, hurricanes, and ?!#@... Wait a minute. We get a fair amount of bad shit here too. And yeah, America is a wealthy nation. Yeah - a large number of us are fat too. That doesn't mean we don't have people with needs. If you feel the need to donate to someone, donate to the needy in your own country. Take it farther than that, make it the people in your own state, county, city, neighborhood, or whatever.
My wife was talking with one of the mothers of a child that goes to my younger daughter's school. This lady got back from a vacation to India a few months before the end of the school year. While she was there, she became friends with a woman that was looking for work. She wished the woman luck, and headed back home to Tennessee. The woman my wife was talking to worked for TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority). Shortly after her return, she was notified that she was no longer needed. Yet, she found out what happened.She kept in touch with her new friend in India over the months. Soon after the woman in TN lost her job, her Indian friend began working on the very same project that the woman in TN was working on previously. TVA - and the state of Tennessee in general - is bad about outsourcing jobs.
(Breathe, breathe, breathe) - (OK)
I had this issue with my Linksys router over the past couple of days. I called tech support - in the Philipines - before calling Johnny - oh. What the Philipino guy couldn't tell me in an hour long conversation, Johnny - oh told me in less than five minutes. I think one of the key factors in the Linksys situation is the fact that we (tech support and I) did not understand each other very well.
So since we send our jobs to them, they should donate that money to their own countries and we should do the same in our country. Granted: we should always help and support our allies.
CCF, you owe your country an apology.
Links of importance to this:
http://www.christianchildrensfund.org/content.aspx?id=859 http://www.nojobsforindia.com/

Fall Creek Falls

2005-07-13T16:31:00.000-04:00

We took the kids to Fall Creek Falls State Park Saturday. I love that place. Everything about it is nice. And the kids need the exercise.

The short hike from the Betty Dunn Nature Center to the main viewing area always leaves a question in my mind: What the hell is that smell? It reminds me of petroleum.
While everything is nice, that smell is out of place. If you ever take the hike, you'll notice it just before crossing the little bridge over Fall Creek. Also, the rocks and earth under the water are a reddish color.

We continued on to the base of the main waterfall and the kids played at the edge of the pool. I showed off along the way back up - while my family rested, I climbed a rock face (insert crude comment here).

As the kids played at the Cascades, I took photos of them slipping and falling on the slick rocks. Then we rented paddle-boats for an hour and we were off to dinner.

The restaraunt at the Fall Creek Falls Inn has good and bad points. Good: they have good food and they're close. Bad: service sucks and they're overpriced (expected, of course).
Try the catfish, fried squash, and dirt cake. Skip the ribs. Get all you want from your waitress the first time you see her - ask for the bill immediately, as it will be a while before you see her again. Waitress's tip... I had to make myself leave one and it was small. If it would have been a restaraunt in town, we would have went to another or I would have left no tip. (It's not hard to get a good tip from me, but I don't give money to people that don't work).

My wife and I believe we'll keep taking the kids on outings like this. It's hard to find things to do in Knoxville (that we haven't done, that we all enjoy, or that's not too expensive). Movies, malls, and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame... woohoo! What else ya got?

Perhaps fishing next weekend.

ATTN: SUV Pilots

2005-07-13T16:26:00.000-04:00

If you own an SUV, please know that it is not a full size pick-up truck, and it does not have the same holding capacity.

I have to load items in to vehicles every day. When someone buys a large item, I have to ask, "Are you driving a truck, or do you have a trailer?" When the response is, "I have a truck," I have learned to watch head and eye movements. For some reason, many SUV and/or van owners like to believe their vehicle has the capability of carrying the same as a pick-up.

Here is a hint:
A) Measure the narrowest point of entry through the opening you wish to use.
B) Measure the widest part of the item you wish to haul.
If B is bigger than A, it will not work.
If you think it will, you should load it your self.
If you cannot figure it out, you should not have a vehicle in the first place.

My in-laws drive SUVs (Suburban & Denali), but they know the limitations of their vehicles.

Please, think responsibly.

Not Exactly a Man of Vision

2005-07-13T16:24:00.000-04:00

My family and I went to dinner at Fuddrucker's yesterday, and I was having issues. My glasses were dirty and using my shirt-tail was only making it worse. So I decided to go to the restroom and use soap and water - that always works.

With glasses in hand, I walked in to the restroom and began cleaning. It was a few seconds later that I heard a stall door open and heard a small gasp. The woman looked at me and apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't notice this was the men's room."
I replied, "No ma'am, I just couldn't see the sign on the door. I'm the one in the wrong place. I apologize."

My wife and kids had watched me walk in to the ladies' room, but none of them bothered to get me out of there. So we all had a good laugh - at my expense.

Clingman's Dome

2005-07-12T17:23:00.000-04:00

Friday, my family and I went to Clingman's Dome, Grotto Falls, and Pigeon Forge.
The air was relatively clear, so the view from Clingman's Dome was nice. In case you didn't know: CD is the highest point in TN at 6,624ft above sea level. It is right on the TN/NC state line. A good drive up from Gatlinburg, and a short hike up a paved trail to the top - the kids were tuckered out. But we had a bit more to do.

After a cool drive back to the Gatlinburg area, we went to the Motor Trail. There are several parking areas that make trail access easy for some light hiking and great scenery. We decided to take the kids to Grotto Falls, since it was a shor hike and we knew it was nice. The kids enjoyed walking around and behind the waterfall. They even managed to find a newt friend.

Pigeon Forge is an area I usually would rather leave to tourists, but for the kids... O.K.. Let'em go nuts. They'll sleep better.

A good night of rest and ready for Saturday.

2005-07-12T17:07:00.000-04:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been RE-added to this blog.
I screwed up yesterday and had to fix it today.

That's what I get for playing with it too much. I broke it.
But I'll keep on playing anyway, I'm a man, I can take it.

Fireworks

2005-07-11T15:08:00.000-04:00

July 4 Pics. Only 2... wife took camera. I have cool video. Give it a minute after clicking this link, it takes a bit to load.

Sushi, Cell Phones, & Tracking Devices

2005-07-11T14:28:00.000-04:00

Johnny-Oh and I had sushi yesterday with one of my co-workers. It was a nice hour of chat that would've been better with a pool table. Maybe next time. A little something odd about a part of our conversation...

I was attempting to explain a bit about this guy that voluntarily had a couple "chips" implanted in his hands. The guy uses one of them as a key to his home, among other things.
Well, it was ineluctible that the conversation turned toward tracking and the whole Big Brother thing. That's where it started to get odd.

We discussed the use of cell phones as tracking devices and how it was unavoidable, yet understandable. As a GIS (Business Concentration) major, I have endured many lectures and read too much about using cell phones for tracking, advertising, and location based services (LBS). So I've had this conversation before, but was less interested in the past (people generally talk too long).

"So..." When I got home, I noticed a news magazine on my recliner. The writers of the news mag are also the creators of some of the software I use. In this quarter's issue, ESRI's ArcNews has an interesting announcement about some new software for businesses to track their cell phones. ESRI has been working with Sprint to make their respective softwares work together. Sprint has a new set-up that allows subscribers to the Location Service find any (Sprint) cell phone in the U.S..

Of course, we all know that cell phone tracking is nothing new. I just thought it odd that our conversation and the article were so closely related, especially on the same day. But then, it could just be that I haven't had intelligent conversation with someone outside of my home in a while.

***Where's my tin-foil hat?***

Fireworks - and Then Some

2005-07-05T00:22:00.000-04:00

Yeah. We did the fireworks thing.

Harvey: Pictures coming soon. I haven't put them in my computer yet.

Let me sum up as much as possible in just a few words.

Beer. Burgers. Jail. Ice Cream. Boom! Vroom!

In that order.

It wasn't me.

Really.

July 4th Eve

2005-07-03T21:15:00.000-04:00

My brother-in-law came to town, and brought his wife and daughter with him. It's nice to see them - it seems so long between visits sometimes. It won't be too long and they'll be headed back to Georgia.

On their first day up, we went to the fireworks store on Watt Road. We got about $310 worth of pyrotechnics. Or so we thought. As it turns out, they had one of their items marked wrong and charged us for it four times. We didn't figure it out until we went over the receipt well on the second day - that being today.
So we went to the fireworks place and asked for the manager, before we even made it in the door. After we found him, he was super nice, understood the problem and took care of the situation immediately. Where we were overcharged by $80 before, we were compensated and then some. We came out of it with about $110 worth in place of the $80 overcharge. He knows how to take care of customers.

Tomorrow night, we'll be firing off quite an abundance of explosives at about 9:00pm. Here's the trick...We don't really have a place to shoot that many fireworks nearby - we could do it here, but I try to be a nice neighbor (I hate it when my neighbors don't take their neighbors into consideration). So we'll be going to a local industrial park - down one of the roads that goes to nowhere. We've gone there before, so there's little to worry about. Local police typically give a warning and send you on your way. If that happens, we'll come home and piss off the neighbors.

Also, in today's news... I didn't make it to have beer and sushi with my blog-daddy today. Sorry Johnny-Oh! I'll see you next Sunday.